Log:For Your Consideration
For Your Consideration
OOC Date: July 9, 2020
Location: Geonosis
Participants: Septima Carnine, Callax Dalso, Sesti Greystorm, Ambrosia Greystorm, Nova Korell, Naome, Tyrius Bodega
The Archduke of Geonosis had invited the New Republic back to the planet for a small gathering and to see something that is surely going to make the Senate take a good look at his wants for Geonosis and other surrounding planets.
The luxury yacht that everyone had been guided to for the event is lavish and has all the markings of comfort. There are servers that are floating around with drinks and finger foods. There seems to be an anxiousness in the air. Just what did the Archduke want to show them and why was it just above the planets orbit. They would find out why they were there shortly.
Septima is standing off to the side speaking with her bodyguard quietly sipping on a glass of water. The Senator doesn't drink, this isn't surprising news. She's dressed in a dress that resembles a rose pink and has the Orcanthus of Chandrila embroidered on the sleeves of it. She looks much nicer than she usually does, but, this was a special event after all.
Floating about the crowd, smiling as if oblivious to the world, is a towering, pale woman with long white-blonde hair braided and curled into a flower-accented mohawk. Vivid purple blossoms against platinum hair, pale lavender gown that speaks of no small amount of money spent. Surprised? One might be, for that towering white woman in the purple dress is Callax.
With a flute of wine in one hand, Callax wafts from group to group, smiling and greeting and mixing - some groups they simply nod to, while some others she comes on with all the effusive graciousness of some government leader's wife. And then they're off again, drifting ever closer to Septima, whom they toast with their glass and winks to. Assuming she recognizes them.
The light, floating material doesn't hug the Iridonian Representative's figure, but when Sesti is at rest, it falls over the little bump on the front of her. The gown skims the floor, and flows in swirling shades of purple to bring out her eyes, and her dark hair is plaited back in it's usual intricate patterns around her horns. Although she doesn't carry her usual vibrosword at her back, she does have a nicer looking bag crossing her body to hold her med kit, and she carries the cane that Jax gave her. She is flanked by a zabrak, and Nova, as protection and company.
General Greystorm has tagged along for the show and tell. Following the attempted assassinations thwarted while ON planet, she's skeptical, to say the least. Which explains maybe while she's here. In a rough version of the New (old?) Republic uniform, complete with jacket that's got to be a few decades old. Her hair, at least, is on fleek to impress with the fancy braidings and tiny but delicate earrings.
So she's dressed up, guys.
She trades empty flute for one full of bubbles and some petal accents. Debris in her booze. What. Is. This.
Indeed, Nova is alongside Sesti, and though she's here for official reasons she's nonetheless dressed to fit in... mostly. The outfit she wears only makes her look taller, and includes space to safely conceal personal protective items. She's here for function, not form, and her icy green eyes flick here and there, alert for any danger. Still, it's telling that despite the great outfit, the best she could do for her silvery-blonde hair was to pull it back at her nape, where it hangs down past her shoulder blades.
She glances over at Sesti, a hint of a wry smile coming to her face. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this, Representative. You know how I feel about social events."
The Archduke is situated off to the side in his own little area making small talk with those in his entourage. There are little flutters of wings that rustle about the group as he does so. Bug culture might be weird, yo. There is a look to the view port of the yacht and everyone would be able to see the cruiser that is starting to come into orbit near them. "Ah, we'll be starting soon. If all of our guests can come closer to the viewing window. We're a little late on setting up and the Archduke apologizes for that." one of the attendants translates for them.
Septima gives a nod and a toast to those that she knows, but, the brunette makes her way towards the viewing window when things seem to be getting underway.
The luxury yacht that everyone had been guided to for the event is lavish and has all the markings of comfort. There are servers that are floating around with drinks and finger foods. There seems to be an anxiousness in the air. Just what did the Archduke want to show them and why was it just above the planets orbit. They would find out why they were there shortly.
Septima is standing off to the side speaking with her bodyguard quietly sipping on a glass of water. The Senator doesn't drink, this isn't surprising news. She's dressed in a dress that resembles a rose pink and has the Orcanthus of Chandrila embroidered on the sleeves of it. She looks much nicer than she usually does, but, this was a special event after all.'
Fluttering off to the newly-arrived general, Callax gives Ambrosia a dazzling smile. "Well," they say with scarcely hidden delight, "As I live and breathe. You look marvelous - hello, Nova." A wink to the other woman, and then Callax offers the general a slender arm. "Here, let me be your arm candy, mmm?"
And now there's a bug cruiser. Fascinating! One wonders if it attracts its enemies with a big UV light and attacks with its electrified hull, not turbolasers.
"I believe humans have a saying about misery and company," Sesti replies in am undertone to Nova. "I suffer, you suffer." She doesn't have a glass of wine, but there is something fizzy in her glass, sans petals. She can't help sending a cheeky grin towards her mother in law, and is on her way towards Septime when they are called over to the viewing port. A quick word in Iridonian to the other guard, who moves away, and then Sesti gives a nod to Nova. "Looks like the show is about to begin." She finds herself drifting closer to Callax as they approach the view port.
It takes a few beats to register that the feminine vision in white is indeed pirate-in-the-making Callax Dalso, with whom she was just speaking earlier today. Ambrosia's expression holds nothing back, quizzical screw of brow and all. Someone may as well have painted the letters W-H-Y on her forehead, but diplomacy isn't /really/ her game. Definitely not what they pay her for.
"Yeah, okay," her arm links through theirs and she kills the contents of that crystaline glassware with a single swallow. Sans petals. One clings stubbornly to the tip of her nose, which she flicks with the utmost sophistication away....and leads them along to find a better vantage point for this spectacle they're all about to witness. "You got a good vac seal in that dress?" A morbid thought and pointless one at that, because ain't like SHE is in vac-rated armor. Or any, for that matter. But it was something to say, staring down the looming approach of a cruiser.
"They do. Whether or not I qualify as Human is still open to question, but I guess I can vouch for the saying being accurate," Nova replies. She follows the Zabrak's gaze to another guest, dressed up and plainly enjoying it as much as Nova herself. "I think that's General Greystorm... I'm not sure who's fluttering around her, though. Shall we say hello?"
Show... oh, right, the reason for tonight's festivities. "I hope it's worth the price of admission," she says in an undertone of her own, stepping closer to the portal with Sesti. "With what's going on at Carida, we could use some good news."
Lady Naome has just returned from a back room, and pauses once in view to claim a flute of amber colored alcohol and a brief teasing of food. She's dressed in shades of green, with silver jewelry that glimmers when it catches the light. Her long brown hair is wavy and arranged down her back, with a silver clasp to keep it anchored there. Her dress has a cape, concealin her shoulders yet her arms are bare, save for the decorative silver wrapped around each bicep. Small, short, and ladylike, the Senator for Naboo, and the whole of the Chommell Sector, lingers upon the edge of the crowd within proximity of a large view port. She turns toward it, seeing the faint shape of her reflection before focusing her eyes on the planet below.
Tyrius was late. He was always late. At least he was fashionable about it, dressed in the colors of his Drikish Royal Family. He would hang out where the wine was, letting the Senators do their thing instead of him, a lowly representative. If they needed his help, they'd ask for it. THen again, the General was here. His eyes find her and ahe flashes a smile in her direction.
The Archduke moves to the large viewing window with everyone else and there is a nod of approval as things start falling into place. The cruiser orbits just outside of the planet and a good distance away from the yacht that they were all standing on. There are satellites that are spaced around the moon of Geonosis, one might notice them given they are pointed out by the translators that are there for the different species.
There is also the glaring fact that the cruiser is starting to power up a weapon that is on the front of the ship, which, would be a bit more concerning if it was pointed at the yacht, but, it is pointed at one of Geonosis' moons. Which is still concerning.
The Archduke steps forward, speaking in his own language, letting the translators do their things. "Esteemed representatives of the New Republic, thank you for gathering here this evening with me to show you what we have been discussing in past talks. Our shield protection against any would be orders, clans or freelancers that might want to rid the galaxy of another planet when they aren't bowing to them." he states.
A hand is raised and then the satellites start to come online, each blinking as it does. There's a murmur that starts to go through the crowd, anticipation, anxeity, some might be wondering why this crazy guy is aiming at their moons.
"I know, I know," breezes Callax as they are conducted along by the general, "You're thinking 'Oh god, I'm going to die of boredom'. But I'm here, so worry not!" They lean down then to say quietly, "Just remember not to gape. This is force projection the same as anything else - think of it as parade inspection and put that face on, eh?" They offer a smile to another functiongoer as they pass, bright and shiny. Nothing wrong here, no sir.
But oh, good. The Geonosians are showing off planetary defenses. Or...a planet-killer. How did they get something like that? Callax peers at the display, sipping from their glass. This is the sort of thing that sometimes breaks into a throat-stabbing fistfight. One should be properly buzzed.
Sesti watches from the window where she has come up alongside Amber, on the side away from Callax. Any tease she may have made about the general's attire and overall discomfort is subdued as the Archduke begins speaking. She places the can on the ground, and stacks her hands over the top of it as she watches.
"They wouldn't like my parade inspection face," Ambrosia mutters back and dons a sampling of the scowl, just to make a point. Her daughter-in-law is en route, however, so she wipes it clean into neutrality for pleasentries sake. It IS Sesti's birthday, after all. But before she can appear too at-ease, Drik's Representative is noted...as is a piece of whatever he last ate. Hah. Okay. She could be worse, see!? Amber's got this formality business in the bag..and offers the man a consolation prize of abbreviated, fingery wav.
The Archduke's click-buzzing garblygook is but an insectile hum in the back of her brain as she watches those satellites power up. There's a fleeting moment of panic that siezes her breast, stops her breath. Another super weapon? Oh. Oh no...no that's the /defense/. Ahhhhh...Let'em fire upon their own moon then, either way the Republic's got nothing to lose, eh?
"This could go very poorly," she murmurs to any who are intimately near enough to hear it, her gaze focused without blinking on what's about to transpire.
"So... this is a defense? Not a weapon?" Nova can't help but wonder at the principle here. At least it's something positive. This galaxy's had enough of planet-smashing superweapons.
Her attention sticks to the satellites, and what's going on there. "Maybe some kind of new deflector shield technology? And they're going to test it with whatever's on that battlecruiser?"
Naome lifts her drink to her mouth and quietly sips. While her light brown eyes convey a fearful nature, the Naboo noble watches in silent anticipation and horror when the Geonosians prepare to fire on a moon. She sets her glass down on a table in case her knees go weak. Her hands come to clasp over her front and she stares.
Either they destroyed one of their moons, or they display the technological genius of a bulwark capable of saving planets from destruction!
Naome's hand begins to tremble.
As the Duke takes the stage and begins his speech, Tyrius does his best to pick something out of his teeth. Perhaps it was a bit of Neimodian bitter olive that came with the Corellian Martini he just wolfed down like the lush he was? Who knew, it was cramping his style. He steps closer so her can listen to what the Geonosian had to say.
The anticipation builds, one of the representatives from the Senate makes a choked sound when they realize that the Archduke is possibly going to take a shot at a planet. "This seems very dangerous!" another shouts. There's a bit of a disgruntled look from some other folks, but, no one steps forward to try to physically start an altercation.
Then, without warning, the cruiser fires and it might seem like time stands still. The bright energy beam might move just a touch slower while some people try to catch up. It is really happening.
But before it connects with the round target there is a slight build up of energy, the satellites soundly sparking to life as the planet is enveloped in a energy shield that crackles. When the blast does hit, there is a lightning effect that starts to spread across the surface, the blast dissipates after what seems like moments though, leaving the faint flickers of the charge in the eyes of those that behold it.
The Archduke turns to the crowd and gives a dip of his head, "I hope that this show will help with the talks amongst your New Republic's Senators and my wishes." he states. With that said, the Archduke simply starts to head off with his head held high. Apparently they were down with show and tell.
You've received a +nom from Naome. +nom/pending to review.
Now Callax has seen some things. Especially lately. This? Is up there. It's not 'Space Satan shooting lightning out of a pyramid into a fleet', but not much is really going to top that. That is the sort of thing you'd only thought you might see painted on the side of a speeder van. The beam being dissipated by the shield causes Callax to purse their lips, and then they lean down to murmur to the general, "So it's an enhanced type of planetary shield? I'll bet /that's/ going to cost the Republic quite a bit to get the rights to."
At the point of ignition, Sesti's fingers curl down and over the head of her cane. They stay clenched there until the last of the flickers fizzle away. She glances over towards Callax as they speak to Amber, and then gives a slight nod. "I do not think we can afford this for every planet. There will be unending argumentation in the Senate as to which planets are chosen and why." She exhales, and turns to gauge the reactions of the other witnesses of the event.
They could play ball and give up their outer rim territories to the CIS, yes. Or....
"Or one very covert R&D recon operation." It's a very politically naughty, very 'no-no' suggestion and it rolls off the General's tongue all too readily in the form of a villainous purr.
Sniff out schematics. Work their scientists and engineers into overtime to replicate the technology. It's doable, right? The morally gray Greystorm dons a passive smile of appreciation for the display then, breaking from her hardened stare through the viewport to clap her hands in awe and slowly turn her back to the miraculously unscathed moon. "I kid, of course." Does she, though? "Most impressive. Far more valuable than a shield gate. And more portable. The Archduke should be proud!" This latter bit is said more audibly, voice returning to normal, conversational levels.
Nova's eyes widen a little as the cruiser spews forth annihilation, though it's hardly unexpected: The ship had been powering up its forward battery earlier, after all. The power of the beam was something to see, though!
And so was the effect on target... or rather, lack thereof! The beam being stopped is nothing new; planetary shields have been a thing for a long, /long/ time. The lightning, though, is new; perhaps some new way of dissipating the beam's power. Of course, since the Archduke didn't explain the particulars of what just happened...
She shrugs and glances at Sesti. "In the end, it's just a particularly powerful planetary shield. But it looks like there's something a little different about it. That lightning is new. So is the satellite support of the system."
She turns back to the viewport. "Think it's powerful enough to stop one of those planet-smashers the Sith are flitting around the galaxy with?"
Tyrius raises his brows, hand going to the hilt of the ornate and traditional blade at his side. Though, when the laser is disipated instead that same hand moves away from the blade. "Well I'll be." He turns and looks towards Amber... Meanering his way over he offers: "General... sorry for inerupting you, but ah... what were his wishes because." He looks back towards the window, "That's an appealing offer." A glance to Callax, Lorg Bodega had the same thought. What would be the cost indeed. There is agreement with Sesti, a nod to her words. There is a slighty smirk to Ambrosia's hushed remarks before he comments, "I'm not sure what outer rim territories we have the authority to cede. Certainly Dac is not an option."
Naome did not turn away from the display until the extreme bright light of the blast made her instinctively raise a hand to shield her eyes. Braving a look beyond the bright light, she witnessed the splendor of the shield technology that took the blow from the devastating weapon.
It takes several minutes for it all to taper, and her eyes readjusted to the dark void once more, studying the shimmering blue of the shield well beyond the glass.
Naome was speechless. Never had she seen such technology before. Not up close, at least.
A few more moments pass and the Senator turns from the view and claims a larger glass of wine. Her thoughts go to the proposition being leveled here. The New Republic receives the shields and in return, the Geonosian party and allies get free reign of the Outer Rim. Hmmm.
Septima watches the flashing lights show with a bit of a pale face, well, that was certainly more than she expected. Mekil sees that the party for them is over for the moment and leans in to whisper something to his charge before he's gently leading her towards a calmer atmosphere, because this one was electric for the moment, leaving people tizzy and chattering away.
"Well." Callax clucks their tongue, and their blue eyes narrow to slits, the afterimage of the energy beam and it subsequent nullification just fading at the last. "Mark my words," the tall femme says in a low tone, painted lips set in a rueful mile. "Whatever the intentions were for this demonstration, Senators, a cause of great division just got put on your laps. Haves and have-nots, and the cost of not being to pony up being the death of your planet? This might do a lot more harm than good." Callax empties their glass and places it on the tray of a still-stunned waiter, reaching for a replacement. "But I'm not a politician. I pray that I'm wrong, mmm?"
Sesti flashes a glance towards Callax, and towards the glass they take as if wishing she could do the same. Her earlier abandoned drink isn't strong enough to stun a fly. However, she holds her tongue, whatever she is thinking she is saving for now. She glances across the room to her zabrak body-guard and gives a half nod. "Nova, please stay if you wish, I am going, now." She turns to Amber and gives a slight, half grin. "Good to see you, Amber. I would stay, but sometimes I need food and rest and it is not up to me when I take them." Another slight smile, and she nods to the others, taking her leave of them.
"Nor is Ileenium." Amber adds to Tyrius' list with a bit of an icy edge to her lopsided 'im trying so hard' smile. "New Alderaan belongs with the Republic. It doesn't matter how impressive the other boys toys are. Some things ought not be traded away."
And that's that.
The old rebel who hasn't a lick of Alderaanian heritage in her own blood (but plenty of salt) follows Callax's example of trading empty flute for full, then takes that full flute to seek out an edible something - anything - to calm the acid in her belly. She wants that tech.
So.
Bad.
"Rest well, Sesti," softly tempered words for the expectant mother, then, when Amber halts her steps just a few paces out to acknowledge and reciprocate that younger woman's depature.
"The way people are talking, it sounds like the thing to worry about is the Geonosians' price," Nova says, frowning. "I seem to remember the Trade Federation having similar ideas about their place in the galaxy a little over half a century ago. Think they had help, too: The Banking Clan, Commerce Guild... somebody else, too."
She nods to Amber and Callax, apparently without recognizing the latter. "I'll accompany you back to the shuttle, Representative. It's the least I can do. Good night, everyone."
She actually gets as far as the door, then blinks and looks back. "Oh, right. They had the Geonosians' help. Guess old ambitions die hard." And out she goes with Sesti.
Tyrius nods to Nova, "It's a very... very tough question. Perhaps, unlike the Neimodians, the Geonosians might be able to be haggled with. We'll have to have a few meeting to discuss what our unified responce should be."
